I have not posted in here for a while. For my pc I used a Firewire 410 basically as headphone amp and dac for my computer audio set-up. The 410 belonged to my father but he didn't use it, so I stole it for a few years. Anyway my father wanted to use it again so I gave it back, so now i'm amp/dac less. Since I have worn out my Beyerdynamic DT880 to the point of desintegration I felt that it was time to invest a bit again and buy myself some new toys.
In my desktop I want to use the onboard sound to send digital audio over spdif or coaxial to the dac and then through a line out to my regular audio setup (Quad 33/303 with ESL 57's).
The regular headphone jack of my laptop is broken, so I want to use an usb DAC/AMP to still be able to listen to headphones when using my laptop. Requiring some portability.
Finally I use an Android phone (Samsung galaxy note), and while cyanogen mod 9 or Ice Cream Sandwich isn't out for it yet I would like to listen to headphones through a Dac/Amp over the usb connection once they release. Which brings 2 additional constraints size, and the ability for the device to deliver power to itself. Regarding size, I carry a small bag with me, where I keep my wallet, phone, id, and basically have space left for a device the size of a fat wallet.
So basically I'm looking for a dac/amp with an internal energy supply, that can accept both usb and coaxial or spdif as input, and can output a line-out for my preamp.
Looking around obviously the Fiio E17 got my attention, which I thought of possibly later on docking with the L7 or E9 for my desktop. And as cans I thought getting the Sennheiser 598 (or if I can find it cheap a set of used 650's). I wonder what you guys think of the suggested set up and perhaps know any alternative options.
The aim for my price point (for cans + amp/dac) for now lies around 300 euros or roughly 400 dollar, but it can stretch a bit if there is really a big gain to be had by doing so. (for reference 598 costs 125 euro, used 650's around 200 euro). I'm a big fan of the sound of electrostatics but want to use the same cans I use at home on the go (to save some money) which rule out electrostatics pretty much. I'm looking for over ear open air cans (in case someone got some can suggestions)
Any tips or suggestion on your end are appreciated, sorry for the long read.
Edited by Zetsumei - 1/28/12 at 12:53pm
